By Audrey HayesUpdated November 2026
Choosing a soft crate for dog use is a practical decision: you want a crate your dog will settle into, one that folds down for the car or a closet, and one that holds up to daily use. This guide compares six collapsible, fabric-walled crates across the things that matter most in day-to-day use: fit for the dog’s size, door layout, ventilation, how easily it sets up and packs away, and how well the walls and floor are built. Each pick is described from its listing and the patterns owners commonly report, not from hands-on testing.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallAmazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door, Collapsible Travel KennelView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for small dogs and travel24" Soft Dog Crate for Car Travel, Includes Mat, Blanket & BowlView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for large dogs at homePortable Dog Crate Soft Sided 36 Inch Collapsible for Large DogsView on Amazon - 4
Best for multi-door access36 Inch Collapsible Soft Dog Crate for Large Dogs, 4-Door Foldable Travel Dog KennelView on Amazon - 5
Best budget pickZikopomi 30 Inch Portable Soft Foldable Dog Crate, Zipper Door Pet KennelView on Amazon - 6
Best for big-dog travelCollapsible Dog Crate for Large Dogs 36 Inch, Portable Travel Soft Dog KennelView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate | Everyday home use and car trips | Double door layout and medium sizing |
| 24″ Soft Dog Crate with Mat, Blanket & Bowl | Small dogs and cats on the go | Included accessories and three doors |
| Portable Dog Crate Soft Sided 36 Inch | Large dogs indoors and out | Built-in leash and breathable mesh windows |
| 36 Inch Collapsible Soft Dog Crate | Households that need flexible access | Four doors with durable mesh panels |
| Zikopomi 30 Inch Portable Soft Foldable Dog Crate | Small to medium dogs on a budget | Three zipper doors and compact footprint |
| Collapsible Dog Crate for Large Dogs 36 Inch | Large dogs during travel | Four-door mesh panels for airflow |
Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel
Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Easy to Assemble, Medium, 29.92" x 21.3" x 21.3", Tan
Best for: Everyday home use and car trips
This is a straightforward, medium-sized collapsible crate for owners who want a no-frills option that sets up quickly and stores flat. It suits adult dogs of moderate size who need a den-like space rather than a large living area.
Key specs
- Listed dimensions: 29.92″ x 21.3″ x 21.3″
- Collapsible frame with double door access
- Tan colorway
Pros
- Easy to assemble and fold back down
- Two-door layout allows front and side loading
- Sensible medium size for common adult breeds
Cons
- Not suited to heavy chewers or dogs that push against walls
- Fabric walls offer less protection than a hard-sided crate
Bottom line: A solid choice for owners who want a reliable, budget-friendly soft crate for home and occasional travel with a medium dog.
24″ Soft Dog Crate for Car Travel, Includes Mat, Blanket & Bowl
Includes Mat, Blanket & Bowl, Strong Fabric, 4-sided Mesh Vents, 3 Doors, Fit Small Dogs & Large Cats Indoor and Outdoor Use Portable Collapsible Dog Crate, 24" Soft Dog Crate for Car Travel
Best for: Small dogs and travel
Aimed at small dogs and cats, this kit bundles a mat, blanket and bowl with a 24-inch collapsible frame. It works well for car rides, visits and indoor-outdoor use where a compact footprint matters.
Key specs
- 24-inch soft crate size
- Three doors for flexible access
- Mesh vents on four sides
Pros
- Accessories included in the listing
- Three doors make loading easier in tight spaces
- Mesh ventilation on all sides
Cons
- Too small for medium or large dogs
- Included bedding is thinner than a dedicated orthopedic pad
Bottom line: Best for owners of small dogs who want a complete starter kit for travel and short stays.
Portable Dog Crate Soft Sided 36 Inch Collapsible for Large Dogs
Portable Dog Crate Soft Sided, Easy Fold & Setup Kennel, Indoor & Outdoor, Breathable Mesh Windows, Built-in Leash, Plush Pad 36 Inch Collapsible Dog Crate for Large Dogs, Travel Dog Crate Grey
Best for: Large dogs indoors and outdoors
This 36-inch collapsible crate is built for large dogs that need headroom and floor space. Its built-in leash and plush pad add convenience for owners who use the crate both at home and on the go.
Key specs
- 36-inch crate size for large dogs
- Breathable mesh windows
- Built-in leash and plush pad
Pros
- Generous floor space for large breeds
- Built-in leash for quick handling
- Breathable mesh panels for airflow
Cons
- Large footprint may not fit in small cars or apartments
- Soft walls can be pushed by strong dogs
Bottom line: Suited to owners of large dogs who want a portable crate for home, yard and travel.
36 Inch Collapsible Soft Dog Crate for Large Dogs, 4-Door Foldable Travel Dog Kennel
36 Inch Collapsible Soft Dog Crate for Large Dogs, 4-Door Foldable Travel Dog Kennel with Durable Mesh Windows for Indoor & Outdoor Portable Pet Crate, Soft Side Dog Crate, Beige
Best for: Households that need flexible access
With four doors, this crate lets owners load a dog from several sides, which helps in cramped vehicles or when a dog is hesitant to enter. Durable mesh windows support indoor and outdoor use.
Key specs
- 36-inch size for large dogs
- Four-door layout
- Durable mesh windows
Pros
- Four doors give maximum loading flexibility
- Mesh windows support airflow and visibility
- Foldable design for storage
Cons
- More door seams can mean more places for a determined chewer to test
- Large size requires a dedicated spot at home
Bottom line: A good fit for owners who want easy access from every angle and plan to use the crate in multiple locations.
Zikopomi 30 Inch Portable Soft Foldable Dog Crate, Zipper Door Pet Kennel
3 Zipper Door,Collapsible Soft Pet Kennel, Foldable Dog Cage, for Small and Medium Dogs, Indoor Outdoor Travel Zikopomi 30 Inch Portable Soft Foldable Dog Crate, 30" L x 21" W x 21" H
Best for: Small to medium dogs on a budget
This 30-inch crate with three zipper doors suits small to medium dogs and owners looking for an affordable soft-sided option for indoor and outdoor trips.
Key specs
- 30″ L x 21″ W x 21″ H
- Three zipper doors
- Collapsible frame
Pros
- Compact footprint for small spaces
- Three zipper doors for easy access
- Lightweight and simple to fold
Cons
- Zippers need periodic checks for stress at the corners
- Not designed for large or powerful dogs
Bottom line: A practical budget pick for small to medium dogs that need a portable, easy-to-store crate.
Collapsible Dog Crate for Large Dogs 36 Inch, Portable Travel Soft Dog Kennel
Collapsible Dog Crate for Large Dogs 36 Inch, Portable Travel Soft Dog Kennel with 4-Door Mesh, Large Pet Crate Carrier Indoor & Outdoor, Grey
Best for: Large dogs during travel
This 36-inch collapsible kennel with four-door mesh panels is aimed at owners traveling with large dogs who need ventilation and room to shift position.
Key specs
- 36-inch size for large dogs
- Four-door mesh design
- Grey colorway
Pros
- Mesh panels on several sides support airflow
- Four doors for flexible loading
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor trips
Cons
- Bulky when packed compared with smaller models
- Fabric may not hold up to persistent scratching
Bottom line: A reasonable choice for travelers with large dogs who prioritize airflow and multiple access points.
Buying Guide
Size and fit
Measure your dog from nose to base of tail and height at the ears while sitting. A crate should let your dog stand, turn around and lie down stretched out. For a deeper walkthrough, see How to Measure Your Dog for a Crate and Sizing a Crate for an Adult Dog.
Good picks for this: Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate; 36 Inch Collapsible Soft Dog Crate for Large Dogs
Door layout
Single-door crates limit how you load and unload. Two, three or four doors give flexibility in cars and small rooms. Check that zippers or latches sit flush so a dog cannot catch a paw.
Good picks for this: 24″ Soft Dog Crate with Mat, Blanket & Bowl; Zikopomi 30 Inch Portable Soft Foldable Dog Crate
Ventilation and visibility
Mesh panels improve airflow and let your dog see out. Look for mesh on at least two sides for summer use or car travel. Avoid solid fabric walls if the dog runs warm.
Good picks for this: Portable Dog Crate Soft Sided 36 Inch; Collapsible Dog Crate for Large Dogs 36 Inch
Frame and assembly
Check how the frame collapses and how many steps setup takes. Owners often report that a crate they can assemble in a few minutes gets used more often, especially for travel.
Good picks for this: Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate; 36 Inch Collapsible Soft Dog Crate for Large Dogs
Durability and chew resistance
Soft crates are not chew-proof. Inspect stitching, zipper tracks and mesh seams regularly. Dogs that scratch or chew should be supervised in any soft crate, and a hard-sided crate may be the safer choice for them. For wire and hard options, see Dog Crate Types Compared: Wire, Plastic, Soft, Heavy-Duty.
Good picks for this: Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate; Portable Dog Crate Soft Sided 36 Inch
Travel use
For car trips, the crate should be secured so it cannot slide, and it should fit the vehicle with the dog inside. Airline rules are stricter than what a soft crate usually meets, so check requirements before flying. See Travel Dog Crates: Car and Air Travel Rules for details.
Good picks for this: 24″ Soft Dog Crate with Mat, Blanket & Bowl; Collapsible Dog Crate for Large Dogs 36 Inch
Comfort and bedding
A soft crate needs a firm base and a pad that will not bunch. Crate-friendly bedding that stays put makes a real difference. See Making a Dog Crate Comfortable and Safe for setup tips.
Good picks for this: 24″ Soft Dog Crate with Mat, Blanket & Bowl; Portable Dog Crate Soft Sided 36 Inch
FAQ
Is a soft crate for dog use safe for home use?
A soft crate can be safe for supervised, short-term use with a calm dog that does not chew or scratch. For unsupervised crating, many owners choose a hard-sided or wire crate. Consult a veterinarian or certified trainer if your dog has anxiety or destructive habits.
Can a dog stay in a soft crate overnight?
Many adult dogs sleep in soft crates, but only if they are settled and have shown they will not escape or chew through the walls. Puppies and dogs in training should be introduced gradually. See Introducing Your Dog to a Crate Step by Step.
What size soft crate should I buy?
Choose a crate that lets your dog stand, turn and lie down fully stretched. Measure nose to tail base and height at the ears, then add a few inches. Avoid crates so large that a puppy can use one corner as a bathroom.
How do I clean a soft crate?
Remove bedding and wipe the fabric with a pet-safe cleaner, then air dry fully before reuse. Check seams and zippers during cleaning, since damage tends to show up there first.
Are soft crates good for car travel?
They can be, especially for small and medium dogs, because they fold and store easily. Secure the crate with a strap or seat belt so it cannot shift during a sudden stop. Check your local rules and your dog’s comfort on longer trips.
Do soft crates work for crate training?
They can, but many trainers prefer sturdier crates for initial training because soft walls can be pushed or chewed. If you start with a soft crate, use it for short sessions and watch for escape attempts. For a full method, see How to Crate Train a Dog: A Humane Step-by-Step Plan.
Conclusion
For everyday home use with a medium dog, the Amazon Basics folding crate is a dependable starting point. Small dogs and travelers will find the 24-inch kit convenient, while owners of large dogs should look at the 36-inch models with mesh airflow. Multi-door designs help in tight spaces, and the budget pick suits owners who need a simple, portable crate. Match the size to your dog first, then choose the door and ventilation features that fit your routine. For broader context on soft versus hard options, see Soft-Sided Dog Crates: Where They Fit.
Sources
- Crate sizing, crate training basics and guidance on choosing a crate for your dog's breed and size (akc.org)
- Consumer safety information on pet products, including product recalls and safety alerts (cpsc.gov)
- Veterinary guidance on pet travel, animal welfare and safe transport practices (avma.org)
About Audrey Hayes
Audrey Hayes is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our dogs & puppies guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
